Method for treating metastatic prostate cancer

ABSTRACT

A method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer, including the step of administering an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to a patient affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer. In a preferred embodiment, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/814,403, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH), PROSTATITIS, AND PROSTATE CANCER,” filed Mar. 10, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/539,465, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH), PROSTATITIS, AND PROSTATE CANCER,” filed Aug. 13, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,583,107, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/025,386, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH), PROSTATITIS, AND PROSTATE CANCER,” filed Jul. 2, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,441,561, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/838,444, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING BLADDER CANCER” filed Dec. 12, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,111,852, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/423,869, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING BLADDER CANCER” filed Feb. 3, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,839,621, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/867,626, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING SKIN CANCER,” filed Sep. 28, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,642,827, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/867,585, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING SKIN CANCER,” filed Sep. 28, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,636,320, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/519,510, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING SKIN CANCER,” filed Oct. 21, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,504,667, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/952,236, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING SKIN CANCER,” filed Jul. 26, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,865,772, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/676,093, entitled “METHOD FOR TREATING SKIN CANCER,” filed Jul. 26, 2012—which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including all references cited therein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to a method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer, and, more particularly, to a method for treating prostatic diseases and conditions with an isothiocyanate functional surfactant.

2. Background Art

A plurality of methods for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer have been known in the art for years and are the subject of a plurality of patents and/or publications, including, for example: U.S. Pat. No. 8,815,309 entitled “Methods of Treating a Subject with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia,” U.S. Pat. No. 8,039,511 entitled “Use of Isothiocyanates Compounds in Treating Prostatic Diseases and Skin Cancer,” U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,482 entitled “Method for Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,540 entitled “Use of a Serenoa repens Extract for the Production of a Medicament to Treat Prostate Cancer,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,719 entitled “Method for Treating Benign Prostate Hyperplasia,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,115 entitled “Method and Composition for the Treatment of Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) and Prevention of Prostate Cancer,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,384,044 entitled “Method of Treating Cancer of the Prostate,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,598 entitled “Drug Complex for Treatment of Metastatic Prostate Cancer,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,811 entitled “Methods for Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Using Tocotrienols,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,430 entitled “Use of ai-Adrenoreceptor Antagonists in the Prevention and Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,750 entitled “Conjugates Useful in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,882 entitled “Method of Treating Prostatic Diseases Using Delayed and/or Sustained Release Vitamin D Formulations,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,641 entitled “Method of Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,615 entitled “Method for Treating Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,659,695 entitled “Method of Treatment of Prostate Cancer,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,797 entitled “Use of Aromatase-Inhibitors for Prophylaxis and/or Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia,” United States Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0204319 entitled “Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia,” and United States Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0025059 entitled “Composition and Method for Treating Non-Bacterial Prostatitis” all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety—including all references cited therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,815,309 appears to disclose methods for treating a male subject with a prostate condition, for example, benign prostate hyperplasia. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of treating a male subject with a prostate condition, which include administering a MetAP2 inhibitor at a dose that does not substantially modulate angiogenesis. One example of a MetAP2 inhibitor includes fumagillin, the chemical structure of which is provided below:

U.S. Pat. No. 8,039,511 appears to disclose a method for preventing and treating prostatic diseases and skin cancer using naturally or artificially synthesized isothiocyanates compounds or the derivatives or metabolites thereof. One example of an isothiocyanate includes benzyl isothiocyanate, the chemical structure of which is provided below:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,482 appears to disclose the use of 1-alpha-fluoro-25-hydroxy-16,23E-diene-26,27-bishomo-20-epi-cholecalciferol, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention and/or treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated symptoms.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,599,540 appears to disclose the use of a lipido-sterolic Serenoa repens extract for the production of a medicament which is administered in an isolated manner or in an associated manner, in a simultaneous, separated or staggered manner, with prostatectomy, radiotherapy and/or hormonotherapy in order to prevent and/or treat prostate cancer.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,719 appears to disclose a method of treating and/or preventing renal dysfunction in a patient, such as renal colic or contrast nephropathy by administering to a patient dyphylline, in a sustained release oral dosage form, the chemical structure of which is provided below:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,115 appears to disclose compositions comprising lycopene, Serenoa repens, Pygeum africanum, and Urtica dioica. The compositions are preferably formulated with an alcohol extract of the dried, cut plant parts. Methods of using such compositions for treating various conditions and diseases, including benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer are also provided.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,384,044 appears to disclose the administration, to the patient, by a pharmacologically effective mode of an essentially pure opiate receptor antagonist, typified by Naltrexone and Naloxone, exerting substantially higher blocking action for Mu opiate receptor sites than against Delta opiate receptor sites at a low dose concentration which produces therapeutic results corresponding to those obtained by the administration of Naltrexone at a low dosage level in the range of 1.0 mg. to 10 mg. per day and at which Delta receptor blocking activity is at most small and Mu receptor blocking activity is substantial. Naltrexone, the structure of which is provided below, is suitable for oral administration and is preferred:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,598 appears to disclose a drug complex for delivery of a drug or other agent to a target cell, comprising a targeting carrier molecule which is selectively distributed to a specific cell type or tissue containing the specific cell type; a linker which is acted upon by a molecule which is present at an effective concentration in the environs of the specific cell type; and a drug or an agent to be delivered to the specific cell type. In particular, a drug complex for delivering a cytotoxic drug to prostate cancer cells, comprising a targeting carrier molecule which is selectively delivered to prostate tissue, bone or both; a peptide which is a substrate for prostate specific antigen; and a cytotoxic drug which is toxic to androgen independent prostate cancer cells.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,811 appears to disclose the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia using tocotrienols, such as P₁₈ tocotrienol and P₂₅ tocotrienol.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,430 appears to disclose a method for reducing the extent of or preventing further hyperplasia in BPH in a mammal which comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of a drug comprising an α₁-adrenoreceptor antagonist or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. One example includes doxazosin and derivatives thereof, the chemical structure of which is provided below:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,750 appears to disclose chemical conjugates which comprise oligopeptides, having amino acid sequences that are selectively proteolytically cleaved by free prostate specific antigen (PSA). Such conjugates are disclosed as useful in the treatment of prostatic cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,882 appears to disclose a method of treating prostatic conditions such as prostate cancer and hyperplasia by administering 1α-hydroxyprevitamin D or activated vitamin D or a combination thereof in a sustained release form or a delayed and sustained release formulation. Both the sustained release form and the delayed, sustained release form deliver increased active vitamin D blood levels without significant risk of hypercalcemia associated with other oral dosing of vitamin D forms, to provide a beneficial effect to diseased prostate tissue.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,641 appears to disclose a treatment for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, involving combination therapy of a 5α-reductase inhibitor, e.g., a 17β-substituted 4-azasteroid, a 17β-substituted non-azasteroid, 17β-acyl-3-carboxy-androst-3,5-diene, benzoylaminophenoxybutanoic acid derivative, fused benz(thio)amide or cinnamoylamide derivative, aromatic 1,2-diethers or thioethers, aromatic ortho acylaminophenoxy alkanoic acids, ortho thioalkylacylaminophenoxy alkanoic acids, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, and particularly finasteride, in combination with an α₁-adrenergic receptor blocker, i.e., terazosin.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,615 appears to disclose a composition and method for treating benign prostatic hypertropy in mammals so as to cause the dissolution and regression of hypertrophied prostatic tissue and thereby provide relief from the obstructive symptoms associated with the disease. The present composition preferably comprises a sterile pyrogen-free solution of the hydrolytic enzymes collagenase and hyaluronidase, a nonionic surfactant, and an antibiotic; all provided, in a pharmaceutically acceptable, buffered, isotonic, aqueous carrier.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,659,695 appears to disclose a method of treatment of prostate cancer in susceptible male animals including humans whose testicular hormonal secretions are blocked by surgical or chemical means, e.g., by use of an LH-RH agonist, e.g., [D-Trp⁶, des-Gly-NH2¹⁰]LH-RH ethylamide which comprises administering an antiandrogen, e.g., flutamide in association with at least one inhibitor of sex steroid biosynthesis, e.g., aminoglutethimide and/or ketoconazole.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,797 appears to disclose aromatase-inhibitors that are used in a method of prophylaxis and/or treatment by therapy of prostatic hyperplasia. A particularly preferred aromatase-inhibitor is, for example, testolactone, the chemical structure of which is provided below:

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0204319 appears to disclose a method and composition for the treatment for bladder outlet obstruction, particularly benign prostatic hyperplasia, which includes administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a synergistic combination of Capsicum plants and aqueous extract from cruciferous vegetables.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0025059 appears to disclose a composition and a method for treatment of prostate related dysfunction and, particularly, non-bacterial prostatitis and, even more particularly, non-bacterial chronic prostatitis. The composition primarily relies upon the use of a bioflavonoid and, particularly, that bioflavonoid known as quercetin, the chemical structure of which is provided below:

While the above-identified medical treatments, as disclosed hereinabove, appear to provide at least some benefit to patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer, such treatments remain non-desirous and/or problematic inasmuch as, among other things, none of the above-identified treatments provide sufficient results from the debilitating effects of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer without material drawbacks and/or compromises. As such, there remains a genuine demand for non-invasive and/or substantially non-invasive medical treatments that are effective and that remedy the detriments and/or complications associated with both conventional as well as the above-identified remedies.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide new, useful, and nonobvious methods for treating prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer, comprising the step of: administering an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to a patient affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises at least one isothiocyanate functional group associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises a lysine derivative, wherein the lysine derivative comprises an α-nitrogen and a ε-nitrogen, and wherein an alkyl and/or alkanoyl substituent comprising at least approximately 8 carbon atoms is associated with the α-nitrogen, and further wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group is associated with the ε-nitrogen.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein the protonated form of the surfactant comprises a non-polar moiety (NP) and a polar moiety (P), and wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group (NCS) is associated with the polar and/or non-polar moiety.

In another aspect of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s); wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H; OH; and an alkyl, and alkanoyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s) with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, and alkanoyl, group containing 8 to 25 carbon atoms.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein X comprises an integer ranging from approximately 1 to approximately 25, and wherein Y comprises an integer ranging from approximately 6 to approximately 25.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

In another aspect of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by at least one of the following chemical structures:

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein X comprises a counter cation such as, but not limited to, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, s-block metals, d-block metals, p-block metals, NZ₄ ⁺, wherein Z comprises, H, R₆, OR₆, and wherein R₆ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s); wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H; OH; and an alkyl, and alkanoyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s) with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, and alkanoyl, group containing 8 to 25 carbon atoms; and wherein X comprises a counter cation.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is administered to the patient at least one of orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, intrathecally, cutaneously, subcutaneously, transdermally, sublingually, buccally, rectally, and nasally.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the amount of isothiocyanate functional surfactant topically administered to the patient ranges from approximately 0.5 nmol/cm2 to approximately 10 μmol/cm2.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is a topical preparation selected from the group consisting of ointment, cream, emulsion, lotion and gel.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant further comprises one or more pharmaceutical, biological or molecular biological active agents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and/or described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

In accordance with the present invention, methods for curing, eliminating, treating, and/or modulating benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer are provided.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer by administering an isothiocyanate functional surfactant to a patient affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer. Preferably, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant comprises one or more isothiocyanate functional groups associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant. It will be understood that isothiocyanate functional surfactants, regardless of their ordinary meaning, are defined herein as a surfactant having an isothiocyanate functional group associated therewith. It will be yet further understood that the term “associated” as used herein in chemical context, regardless of its ordinary meaning, is defined herein as attached, a covalent bond, a polar covalent bond, an ionic bond, a hydrogen bond, van der Waals forces, electrostatic interaction, directly and/or indirectly linked, etcetera.

The term surfactant derives from contraction of the terms surface-active-agent and is defined herein as a molecule and/or group of molecules which are able to modify the interfacial properties of the liquids (aqueous and non-aqueous) in which they are present. The surfactant properties of these molecules reside in their amphiphilic character which stems from the fact that each surfactant molecule has both a hydrophilic moiety and a hydrophobic (or lipophilic) moiety, and that the extent of each of these moieties is balanced so that at concentrations at or below the critical micelle concentration (i.e., CMC) they generally concentrate at the air-liquid interface and materially decrease the interfacial tension. For example, sodium salts of saturated carboxylic acids are extremely soluble in water up to C8 length and are thus not true surfactants. They become less soluble in water from C9 up to C18 length, the domain of effective surfactants for this class of compounds. The carboxylic acids (fatty acids) can be either saturated or unsaturated starting from C16 chain lengths.

Without being bound by any one particular theory, it is believed that the isothiocyanate functional surfactants disclosed herein facilitate treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer by eliminating, modulating, and/or reducing macrophage migration inhibitory factor cytokine or its biological activity. It is also believed that the isothiocyanate functional surfactants disclosed herein facilitate elevating phase II enzymes (e.g., HAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase) which are believed to, among other things regulate inflammatory responses within the body, as well as detoxify carcinogens and/or activated carcinogens.

In accordance with the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactants may be used as an administered leave-on/leave-in product in which one or more surfactants remain on/in the body and are not immediately and/or ever removed from the body. Alternatively, the isothiocyanate functional surfactants of the present invention may be used in an administer and remove fashion. For either case, it is preferred that the isothiocyanate functional surfactants be generally mild to human body (e.g., non-irritating or low-irritating). In particular, anionic N-alkanoyl surfactants derived from amino acids are especially preferred because, while not completely predictable, they have a tendency to be mild. The methods of preparation detailed in this invention employ, but are not limited to, amino acids that possess at least two amine functionalities, at least one of which is converted to an N-alkanoyl functionality, and at least one of which is converted into isothiocyanate functionality. The amino acids include, but are not limited to, the α-amino acids lysine, ornithine, 2,4-diaminobutanoic acid, 2,3-diaminopropionic acid, 2,7-diaminoheptanoic acid, and 2,8-diaminooctanoic acid. Additionally, amino acids other than α-amino acids may be employed, such as β-amino acids, etcetera. It will be understood that amino acid derived surfactants are preferred due to their mild nature, but any one of a number of other surfactants are likewise contemplated for use in accordance with the present invention.

Methods for preparing isothiocyanate functional surfactants and/or their precursors can involve, but are not limited to, conversion of an amine functionality to an isothiocyanate functionality. The methods of conversion of amine functionalities to isothiocyanate functionalities include, but are not limited to: (1) reaction with carbon disulfide to yield an intermediate dithiocarbamate, followed by reaction with ethylchloroformate or its functional equivalent such as bis(trichloromethyl)-carbonate, trichloromethyl chloroformate, or phosgene; (2) reaction with thiophosgene; (3) reaction with 1,1′-thiocarbonyldiimidizole; (4) reaction with phenylthiochloroformate; (5) reaction with ammonium or alkali metal thiocyanate to prepare an intermediate thiourea followed by cleaving to the isothiocyanate via heating; and (6) reaction with an isothiocyanato acyl halide [SCN—(CH₂)_(n)—CO—Cl]. The resulting isothiocyanate functional surfactant, depending on the method of preparation, can be isolated as a pure material or as a mixture with other surfactants. The resulting isothiocyanate functional surfactant, depending on the method of preparation, can be isolated and used directly in nonionic form, anionic form, cationic form, zwitterionic (amphoteric) form, and/or in a neutral surfactant-precursor form in combination with a base such as sodium hydroxide or triethanol amine if the neutral surfactant-precursor form possesses a protonated carboxylic acid group such that reaction (deprotonation) with the base converts the neutral surfactant-precursor form to an anionic surfactant, or in neutral surfactant-precursor form in combination with an acid if the neutral surfactant-precursor form possess amine functionality such that reaction (protonation) with the acid converts the neutral surfactant-precursor form to a cationic surfactant.

In accordance with the present invention the step of administering comprises, but is not limited to, systemic administration, local injection, regional injection, applying, spraying, dripping, dabbing, rubbing, blotting, dipping, and any combination thereof.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is removed from body and/or affected area after a period of time. Such a period comprises, but is not limited to, seconds (e.g., 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, and 60 seconds), minutes (e.g., 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes), hours (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 8 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, and 60 hours), days (e.g., 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 10 days, 14 days, 21 days, 30 days), etcetera. It will be understood that the step of removing preferably occurs via purging, rinsing, wiping, and/or extracting—just to name a few.

Depending upon the subject and/or the severity of the condition and/or disease, multiple administrations may be necessary. As such, the steps of administering and/or removing the isothiocyanate functional surfactant may be repeated one or a plurality of times.

The present invention is also directed to a method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer comprising the step of associating (using any known medical technique) a lysine derivative to a patient, wherein the lysine derivative comprises an α-nitrogen and a ε-nitrogen. Preferably, an alkyl substituent comprising at least approximately 8 carbon atoms is associated with the α-nitrogen. Preferably, at least one isothiocyanate functional group is associated with the ε-nitrogen.

The present invention is further directed to a method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer comprising the step of: administering a surfactant to a patient, wherein the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

and wherein the surfactant comprises a non-polar moiety (NP) and a polar moiety (P), and wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group (NCS) is associated with the polar and/or non-polar moiety.

The present invention is yet further directed to a method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer comprising the step of: administering a surfactant to a patient, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s).

In this embodiment, the surfactant is preferably represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein X comprises an integer ranging from approximately 1 to approximately 25, and wherein Y comprises an integer ranging from approximately 6 to approximately 25.

More preferably, the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional surfactant is represented by at least one of the following chemical structures:

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and/or prostate cancer comprising the step of: administering a surfactant to a patient, wherein the protonated form of the surfactant is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein X comprises a counter cation such as, but not limited to, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, s-block metals, d-block metals, p-block metals, NZ₄ ⁺, wherein Z comprises, H, R₆, and/or OR₆, and wherein R₆ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer.

In accordance with the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant may also be associated with one or more additional surfactants, wherein the additional surfactants are selected from at least one of the group comprising a non-ionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of preferred anionic surfactants include taurates; isethionates; alkyl and alkyl ether sulfates; succinamates; alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates; olefin sulfonates; alkoxy alkane sulfonates; sodium and potassium salts of fatty acids derived from natural plant or animal sources or synthetically prepared; sodium, potassium, ammonium, and alkylated ammonium salts of alkylated and acylated amino acids and peptides; alkylated sulfoacetates; alkylated sulfosuccinates; acylglyceride sulfonates, alkoxyether sulfonates; phosphoric acid esters; phospholipids; and combinations thereof. Specific anionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, ammonium cocoyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium stearoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, TEA-cocoyl glutamate, TEA cocoyl alaninate, sodium cocoyl taurate, potassium cetyl phosphate.

Non-limiting examples of preferred cationic surfactants include alkylated quaternary ammonium salts R₄NX; alkylated amino-amides (RCONH—(CH₂)_(n))NR₃X; alkylimidazolines; alkoxylated amines; and combinations thereof. Specific examples of anionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cetyl ammonium chloride, cetyl ammonium bromide, lauryl ammonium chloride, lauryl ammonium bromide, stearyl ammonium chloride, stearyl ammonium bromide, cetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, lauryl dimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, lauryl trimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl cetyl ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, dicetyl ammonium chloride, dilauryl ammonium chloride, dilauryl ammonium bromide, distearyl ammonium chloride, distearyl ammonium bromide, dicetyl methyl ammonium chloride, dicetyl methyl ammonium bromide, dilauryl methyl ammonium chloride, distearyl methyl ammonium chloride, distearyl methyl ammonium bromide, ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallow dimethyl ammonium sulfate, di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium chloride, di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium acetate, ditallow dipropyl ammonium phosphate, ditallow dimethyl ammonium nitrate, di(coconutalkyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, di(coconutalkyl)dimethyl ammonium bromide, tallow ammonium chloride, coconut ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl PG-imonium chloride phosphate, stearamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, stearimidopropyldimethyl (myristyl acetate) ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl cetearyl ammonium tosylate, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium lactate, ditallowyl oxyethyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, behenamidopropyl PG dimonium chloride, dilauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearly dimethyl ammonium chloride, dimyristyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dipalmityl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidoproyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, stearamidopropyl ethyldiammonium ethosulfate, stearamidopropyl dimethyl (myristyl acetate) ammonium chloride, stearimidopropyl dimethyl cetaryl ammonium tosylate, stearamido propyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium lactate.

Non-limiting examples of preferred non-ionic surfactants include alcohols, alkanolamides, amine oxides, esters (including glycerides, ethoxylated glycerides, polyglyceryl esters, sorbitan esters, carbohydrate esters, ethoxylated carboxylic acids, phosphoric acid triesters), ethers (including ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl glucosides, ethoxylated polypropylene oxide ethers, alkylated polyethylene oxides, alkylated polypropylene oxides, alkylated PEG/PPO copolymers), silicone copolyols. Specific examples of non-ionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20, nonoxynol-9, C12-15 pareth-9, POE(4) lauryl ether, cocamide DEA, glycol distearate, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, sorbitan stearate, PEG-8 laurate, polyglyceryl-10 trilaurate, lauryl glucoside, octylphenoxy-polyethoxyethanol, PEG-4 laurate, polyglyceryl diisostearate, polysorbate-60, PEG-200 isostearyl palmitate, sorbitan monooleate, polysorbate-80.

Non-limiting examples of preferred zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants include betaines; sultaines; hydroxysultaines, amido betaines, amidosulfo betaines; and combinations thereof. Specific examples of amphoteric surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cocoamidopropyl sultaine, cocoamidopropyl hydroxyl sultaine, cocoamidopropylbetaine, coco dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl alphacarboxyethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine, lauryl (2-bishydroxy) carboxymethyl betaine, stearyl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) carboxymethyl betaine, oelyl dimethyl gamma-carboxypropyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)alpha carboxymethyl betaine, coco dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, lauryl bis(2-hydroxyethyl) sulfopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine.

In further accordance with the present invention, the isothiocyanate functional surfactant may optionally be incorporated into a formulation comprising one or more solvents. Preferably, the solvent comprises a hydrocarbon and/or silicone oil that is generally non-hygroscopic and/or generally hydrophobic. Suitable examples, include, silicone based solvents and/or fluids, mineral oil, vegetable oils, squalene (i.e., 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosane)—just to name a few.

The invention is further described by the following examples.

Example I Preparation of a mixture of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-Lysine with N_(α),N_(ε)-bis-lauroyl-L-lysine

A 1 liter beaker equipped with an overhead mechanical stainless steel paddle stirrer was charged with 100 mL of 1 M NaOH (0.100 mol). Stirring was begun and the beaker cooled to −5° C. to −10° C. using a salt/ice bath. Next, 23.4 g (0.100 mol) of N_(ε)-benzylidene-L-lysine (prepared via the method of Bezas, B and Zervas, L., JACS, 83, 1961, 719-722) was added. Immediately afterward and while keeping the solution cold, 140 mL (0.140 mol) of precooled (in a salt/ice bath) 1 M NaOH and 26.1 mL of lauroyl chloride was added in two equal portions over a period of 6 minutes. The mixture was stirred for 10 more minutes at −5 to −10° C., then the ice bath was removed and the reaction mixture allowed to stir for another 1 hour while warming to room temperature. Next, the reaction mixture was cooled using a salt/ice bath and then sufficient concentrated HCl was added to adjust the pH to 7.5-7.8. With the pH at 7.8-7.8 and with continued cooling and stirring, 4.6 mL (60% of stoichiometric, 0.068 mol) of thiophosgene was added drop-wise via an additional funnel over the period of 1 hour. During this time, sufficient 1 M NaOH was added to maintain a pH range between 7.5-7.8. After the thiophosgene addition was complete, additional 1 M NaOH was added as necessary until the pH stabilized in 7.5-7.8 range. Next, sufficient 30% NaOH was added to adjust the pH to approximately 8.5. Next, 12 mL (0.051 mol) of lauroyl chloride was rapidly added, followed by sufficient 1 M NaOH to keep the pH in the range of 8.00-8.50. Next, sufficient concentrated HCl was added to adjust the pH to 1.5. The reaction mixture was filtered via vacuum filtration, and the precipitate washed with dilute HCl (pH=2). The product, a white moist solid, was dried in vacuo while heating to 60° C. 45.19 g of white solid product was recovered, a mixture of predominantly N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-lysine and N_(α), N_(ε)-bis-lauroyl-L-lysine (determined via LC-MS analysis). Both compounds in this mixture can be simultaneously converted into anionic (carboxylate) surfactants via reaction with aqueous NaOH to yield a clear aqueous solution of the surfactants.

Example II Preparation of Pure N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-Lysine Step 1: Preparation of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-carbobenzoxy-L-Lysine

60.0 g of N_(ε)-cbz-L-Lysine (cbz is carbobenzoxy) purchased from Atomole Scientific Company, LTD was added to a three-liter beaker along with 1200 mL of RO water and the mixture was stirred. Next, 39 mL of 30% aqueous NaOH was added, resulting in dissolution of the N_(ε)-cbz-L-Lysine. The resulting solution was cooled in an ice bath and then 52.5 mL of lauroyl chloride was added. The ice bath was removed 30 minutes later, and stirring continued for an additional six hours, at which time 18 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added. The reaction mixture was then filtered via vacuum filtration, the white solid product washed with 1 M aqueous HCl, and then the solid product was dried in vacuo while heated to approximately 85° C. 96.5 g of dry white solid product was obtained. The product can be further purified by dissolving it in methanol, filtering off any insoluble precipitate, and removing the methanol in vacuo to recover a white solid product (mp 99.5-103.0° C.)

Step 2: Preparation of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-ammonium chloride-L-Lysine

10.0 g of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-carbobenzoxy-L-Lysine was weighed into a one liter Erlenmeyer flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar. 150 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added and the solution was stirred and heated in an oil bath to 104° C., then allowed to cool with the oil bath back to room temperature. The solution was then cooled to 9° C. for approximately four hours, during which time a large mass of white precipitate formed. The reaction mixture was filtered in vacuo and rinsed with a small amount of cold 1 M HCl. The white solid reaction product was then dried in vacuo while being heated to 78° C., yielding 7.89 g of white solid product (mp 191-193° C.).

Step 3: Preparation of N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-isothiocyanato-L-Lysine

0.46 mL of thiophosgene was added to 30 mL of dichloromethane in a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar. To this solution was drop wise added over 15 minutes a solution consisting of 2.00 g N_(α)-lauroyl-N_(ε)-ammonium chloride-L-Lysine, 10 mL RO water, and 2.7 mL 20% aqueous NaOH. Stirring was continued for an additional 30 minutes, after which sufficient concentrated hydrochloric acid was added to lower the pH to 1 as indicated by testing with pHydrion paper. The reaction solution was then transferred into a separatory funnel and the bottom turbid dichloromethane layer was isolated and dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate and gravity filtered. To the filtrate was added 50 mL of hexanes. The solution was then concentrated via removal of 34 mL of solvent via trap-to-trap distillation and then placed in a −19° C. freezer. A mass of white precipitate formed after a few hours and was isolated via vacuum filtration and then dried in vacuo for 2 hours. 1.130 g of a slightly off white solid powder product was obtained [mp 37.0-39.0° C.; IR (cm⁻¹), 3301sb, 2923s, 2852s, 2184m, 2099s, 1721s, 1650s, 1531s, 1456m, 1416w, 1347m, 1216m, 1136w].

The oils and/or solvents employed hereinabove are provided for the purposes of illustration, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention in any way. As such, the oils may be liquid, solid, or gel, and may be synthetic or of natural origin and include but are not limited to waxes, esters, lipids, fats, glycerides, cyclic silicones, linear silicones, crosslinked silicones, alkylsilicones, silicone copolyols, alkylated silicone copolyols, and/or hydrocarbons, and/or ethoxylated versions of all of these.

The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. 

1-17. (canceled)
 18. A method for treating metastatic prostate cancer, comprising the step of: administering an isothiocyanate functional compound to a patient having metastatic prostate cancer.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the isothiocyanate functional compound comprises an α-nitrogen and a ε-nitrogen, and wherein an alkyl and/or alkanoyl substituent comprising at least 8 carbon atoms is bound to the α-nitrogen, and further wherein the ε-nitrogen forms part of the isothiocyanate functional group wherein said isothiocyanate functional compound comprises at least one isothiocyanate functional group associated with an aliphatic and/or aromatic carbon atom of the isothiocyanate functional compound.
 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the isothiocyanate functional compound comprises a lysine derivative, wherein the lysine derivative comprises an α-nitrogen and a ε-nitrogen, and wherein an alkanoyl substituent comprising 8 carbon atoms is bound to the α-nitrogen, and further wherein the ε-nitrogen forms part of an isothiocyanate functional group.
 21. The method according to claim 18, wherein the isothiocyanate functional compound is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein the protonated form of the compound comprises a non-polar moiety (NP) and a polar moiety (P), and wherein at least one isothiocyanate functional group (NCS) is associated with the polar and/or non-polar moiety.
 22. The method according to claim 18, wherein the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional compound is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s).
 23. The method according to claim 18, wherein the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional compound is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s); wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H; OH; and an alkyl, and alkanoyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s) with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, and alkanoyl, group containing 8 to 25 carbon atoms.
 24. The method according to claim 18, wherein the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional compound is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein X comprises an integer ranging from 1 to 25, and wherein Y comprises an integer ranging from 6 to
 25. 25. The method according to claim 18, wherein the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional compound is represented by the following chemical structure:


26. The method according to claim 18, wherein the protonated form of the isothiocyanate functional compound is represented by at least one of the following chemical structures:


27. The method according to claim 18, wherein the isothiocyanate functional compound is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer; wherein R₂ comprises NCS; wherein R₃-R₅ are the same or different and comprise H; OH; an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 8 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein X comprises a counter cation such as, but not limited to, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, s-block metals, d-block metals, p-block metals, NZ₄ ⁺, wherein Z comprises, H, R₆, OR₆, and wherein R₆ comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, polycycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and/or cyano group containing approximately 1 to approximately 25 carbon atom(s), wherein the carbon atom(s) may be a linking group to, or part of, a halogen, a N, O, and/or S containing moiety, and/or one or more functional groups comprising alcohols, esters, ammonium salts, phosphonium salts, and combinations thereof; a linkage to a dimer; a linkage to an oligomer; and/or a linkage to a polymer.
 28. The method according to claim 18, wherein the isothiocyanate functional compound is represented by the following chemical structure:

wherein R₁ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s); wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NCS; and wherein R₃-R₅ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H; OH; and an alkyl, and alkanoyl group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s) with the proviso that at least one of R₃-R₅ is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, and alkanoyl, group containing 8 to 25 carbon atoms; and wherein X comprises a counter cation.
 29. The method according to claim 18, wherein the isothiocyanate functional compound is administered to the patient at least one of orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, intrathecally, cutaneously, subcutaneously, transdermally, sublingually, buccally, rectally, and nasally.
 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the amount of isothiocyanate functional compound topically administered to the patient ranges from approximately 0.5 nmol/cm2 to approximately 10 μmol/cm2.
 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the isothiocyanate functional compound is in a topical preparation selected from the group consisting of ointment, cream, emulsion, lotion and gel.
 32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the isothiocyanate functional compound is associated with one or more other pharmaceutical, biological and/or molecular biological active agents.
 33. The method according to claim 18, wherein the patient is a mammal.
 34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the mammal is a human. 